Swaying Seats

Swaying Seats

Whiling away a summer afternoon on a porch is a distinctly American pleasure—as are outdoor seats that sway back and forth to create an artificial breeze. Both date to colonial times and popped up all across the country, though they became especially popular in the South, where their cooling rewards were most appreciated.

The archetypal porch rocker is wood, finished with paint or stain as some measure of protection against the elements, with a high slatted or spindle back. Finials, turnings, and other embellishments—nods to various architectural styles—add flair. Today, many are also made of weatherproof resin lumber to resist fading, cracking, and wear. We found nine options in a range of colors and materials to cheer up your outdoor space, whether it be a patio or a deck or that old favorite, a porch.

Tip: Will a rocker teeter freely in your space? It's not enough to look at the chair depth: Most need 3§ feet of floor to rock back and forth, plus room for the sitter to stand up. That's 5 feet front to back, minimum.

Beautifully Braced

Beautifully Braced

Size: 27"W x 32"D x 47"HMade of: Unfinished red oak (We finished it with golden-oak stain and spar varnish.)Highlights: This super-solid hand-built chair has three rails in back and three crossbars below the seat for stability.

Swaying Seats

Whiling away a summer afternoon on a porch is a distinctly American pleasure—as are outdoor seats that sway back and forth to create an artificial breeze. Both date to colonial times and popped up all across the country, though they became especially popular in the South, where their cooling rewards were most appreciated.

The archetypal porch rocker is wood, finished with paint or stain as some measure of protection against the elements, with a high slatted or spindle back. Finials, turnings, and other embellishments—nods to various architectural styles—add flair. Today, many are also made of weatherproof resin lumber to resist fading, cracking, and wear. We found nine options in a range of colors and materials to cheer up your outdoor space, whether it be a patio or a deck or that old favorite, a porch.

Tip: Will a rocker teeter freely in your space? It's not enough to look at the chair depth: Most need 3§ feet of floor to rock back and forth, plus room for the sitter to stand up. That's 5 feet front to back, minimum.

Beautifully Braced

Piney Creek Woodworks

Size: 27"W x 32"D x 47"HMade of: Unfinished red oak (We finished it with golden-oak stain and spar varnish.)Highlights: This super-solid hand-built chair has three rails in back and three crossbars below the seat for stability.